Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Refugees Flee from the Refugee Camp

The Gateway Pundit looks at the threat by militants to escalate fighting all over Lebanon unless the Army stops chasing Fatah al-Islam. Time Magazine describes the fight within the refugee camps. Here's an excerpt from the Time story:

The exodus of refugees from this seaside camp, home to 40,000 people, was spurred by a temporary ceasefire Tuesday afternoon. The ceasefire was arranged to allow a convoy of six United Nations trucks to enter the camp to deliver food, water and medical supplies. But the convoy was struck by several mortar rounds while unloading its emergency provisions. Although none of the crew were harmed, three vehicles were damaged and had to be abandoned. The U.N. said it was unsure whether the mortar fire was from the Lebanese army ringing the camp or from the Fatah al-Islam militants holed up inside. But the drivers of the trucks said they were sure it was Fatah al-Islam. "They waited for us to stop then they opened fire. They are shooting at anything that moves inside the camp," said Ahmad, one of the truck drivers, who refused to give his full name.

The exodus of refugees from this seaside camp, home to 40,000 people, was spurred by a temporary ceasefire Tuesday afternoon.

The ceasefire was arranged to allow a convoy of six United Nations trucks to enter the camp to deliver food, water and medical supplies to mostly civilian population.

But the convoy was struck by several indiscrinate mortar rounds, while unloading its emergency provisions.

Although none of the crew were harmed, three vehicles were damaged and had to be abandoned.

Sniper fire was also heard by several eye witnesses who did not want to be identified.

The U.N. said it was unsure whether the mortar fire was from the Israeli army ringing the camp or from the Palestinian militants holed up inside.

But the drivers of the trucks said they were sure it was Israeli. "They waited for us to stop then they opened fire. They are shooting at anything that moves inside the camp," said Ahmad, one of the truck drivers, who refused to give his full name.

The U.N. called for an immediate withdrawl of all IDF forces, and promised a full investigation.

"I cannot believe that a small number of armed individuals can justify the use of tanks and artillery" said a U.N. staff member. "It's like they want to destroy the entire camp, and punish anyone involved".

A spokesman for the Palestinians later said "We, stuck in this squalor, just want to have our voices heard. The reasons for this agression against us is simple - we stood against Zionist storm troopers and stopped their de-population agenda".

The apparent murder of Israeli troops, rumoured to have been looking for a armed suspect, is yet to be fully proven. The event sparked the heavy, and some say inappropriate, response.

"Why, why are they bombing and shelling us from the land, sea and air" said a refugee from the onslaught.